Where it all Began

After earning my associate degree from community college, my husband and I moved to Louisiana for our first military assignment. While we were settling into our new life, he encouraged me to explore all the “dream jobs” I’d ever considered before committing to a bachelor’s degree. So, I gave myself the freedom to explore.

My first stop was the veterinary field. I worked as a veterinary technician for two years, but I quickly realized that it wasn’t the right fit for me. Next on my list was something I’d always been passionate about—art. I’ve been drawn to it for as long as I can remember. My mom, a preschool teacher, filled my childhood with creativity, crafts, and colors, which nurtured my love for making things with my hands.

Then came a realization that changed everything: I could make art permanent—on skin. The idea of tattooing felt electric. My husband, always my biggest supporter, encouraged me to give it a real shot. I invested in my first tattoo machine and supplies, eager to begin. I was so excited that I immediately slapped a stencil of a skull with a chrysanthemum on the side of my knee, fully prepared to tattoo myself on day one. Thankfully, my husband gently stopped me (probably saving me from a very painful and uneven lesson).

Instead, he offered up his thigh—willingly—for my first-ever tattoo: a simple three-line smiley face. Just a “:)”.

I was nervous. My hands were sweating so badly I ripped two pairs of gloves before I could even get one on properly. I tested the machine, and the needle accidentally grazed my finger. At that point, any sane person would’ve backed out—but my husband didn’t. He smiled and let me continue. With shaky hands and a pounding heart, I etched that tiny smiley face into his skin.

It wasn’t perfect—far from it. The lines were bumpy, uneven, and inconsistent. But that smiley face means everything to me.

It symbolizes trust, belief, and the courage to start—even when you’re not ready. It was the first seed planted in what would grow into something much bigger. That tiny tattoo represents the faith my husband had in me, and more importantly, the faith I began to find in myself.

Years later, I’ve grown—not just in skill, but in confidence and purpose. I’ve poured time, patience, and heart into my craft. What began with shaky lines is now a blooming passion, thanks to the love and support that helped water the roots.

That’s why my logo is a smiley face inside the outline of a flower. It’s a symbol of growth, gratitude, and self-belief. A reminder that even imperfect beginnings can blossom into something beautiful.

The journey hasn’t been easy—full of trial, error, and a lot of learning. But growth never is. Just like you can’t grow flowers without water, sun, and soil—I couldn’t have grown into the artist I am today without the trust that others placed in me. My husband’s belief in me planted the very first seed. And every client since who’s given me the honor of putting my art on their skin has helped me nurture it. Their trust has been the sunlight, the encouragement, and the care that’s helped me bloom.

This tattoo was the beginning of my journey as an artist. It marked a turning point in my life where passion met purpose.